Flame-producing mechanism and associated container



July 9, :f1-935A L. v. ARoN's'oN FLAME PRODUCING MECHANISM AND` ASSOCIATED CONTAINER FiledFeb. 3, 195C 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 9, 1935. L. v. ARoNsoN 2,007,629

FLAME PRODUCING MECHANISM AND ASSOCIATED CONTAINER 193C 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb.

nNvENToR' 'f/0115011 Lau ATTORN EYS Patented July 9, 1935A UNITED STATES 4PATENT OFFICE 1 FLAME-PRODUCING MECHANISM AND ASSOCIATED CONTAINER Louis* V. Aronson, Newark, `N. J., asslgnor to Art Metal Works, Inc., a corporation of New Jersey appiieation February s, 1930, serial No. 425,396

, 11 claims. 120641.

My invention relates to an arrangement or device including fiame-producing mechanism and a receptacle for cigarettes, cigars, or the like, hereinafter generically termed cigarettes. 5 My invention relates to an arrangement or device, as aforesaid, having novel characteristics whereby a single manual act, preferably, effects the production of flame and opens a cigarette compartment.

Further objects, advantages, and characteristics of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in coni or device' constructed in accordance with my invention; h

Fig. 2 is a transverse horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig.` l and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig.`3 is a vertical sectionalview, partly in elevation, and is taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view, partly in velevation, and is taken on the line 4-,4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 51s a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation and is taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2;

Fig.'6 is an elevational View, partly broken away, and showing theA cover member in open position;

and Y Fig. l is a horizontal sectional view, partly in plan and partly broken away, and is taken on the line 1`l, of Fig. 6. l

Referring to the drawings, C represents an outer casing or housing having a bottom wall I from which suitable side wallstructure upstands. In the example shown although not necessarily, each side wall `comprises side-by-side members 2, 2, all of theside walls and the bottom wall being suitably joined together to form the aforesaid casing C which may be of square, rectangular or other suitable configuration and 'the inner sidewall members of which may extend somewhat vabove the outer side wall members, if de- 50 sired.

The casing C is adapted to be covered by a suitable cover member 3 which, as shown, is mounted for pivotal movement on one of the casing side Walls. The pivotal connection may be effected in 55 any suitable manner. As illustrated-the cover v compartments serving as a chamber utilizable 'member 3. along one lower edge thereof and the upper edge of that side wall to which connection is to be effected are provided with spaced, perforated ears, all of said e'ars being disposed in alinement and having a rod or member l passed 6 therethrough. l

Preferably and as shown, the cover member 3 is of receptacle-like conguration and the horizontal, cross-sectional configuration is'substantialiy the same as that of the, casing C, the arl rangement preferably being such that the lower surface of the cover member 3 rests upon the upper surface of the outer side wall members 2 and telescopes the upper sections of the inner side wall members 2.

In the form of my invention herein illustrated, an irmer casing Ci is slidablydisposed within the casing C.v The casing Ci comprises a bottom wall from which the side walls 6 upstand, the latter, preferably, being substantially the same in height as the side wall members 2 of the outer casing.

The horizontal, cross-sectional configurations of thecasings C and CI should be similar, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the casing Ci being sufficiently smaller than that of the casing C to permit fthe former to be freely. slidable in the latter.

In accordance with a preferred form of my in-. vention, the aforesaid inner-casing CI is formed with side-by-side compartments as illustrated particularly in Fig. 3, one of said compartments serving as the fuel chamber for suitable pyrophoric lighting mechanism and the other of said for storing a plurality of`cigarettes A. as

To form the aforesaid compartments, the casing CI maybe provided with a dividing wall I upstanding from the bottom wall 5 thereof and A connected to opposite side walls thereof as illustra-ted in Fig. Y2. Accordingly, the bottom wall of the fuel receptacle is constituted by a section' of the bottom wall of casing CI a top wall 8 being provided for said fuel receptacle. The casing CI in that regionthereof defining the cigarette compartment is open at its top so that cigarettes may freely be removed therefrom when the cover member '3 is elevated as hereinafter described.

In'the form of my invention shown, the flameproducing mechanisnr` is of the pyrophoric `type and may be of any1/suitable character such, for example, as is Well known to the art and herein shown as comprising a wick tube 9 upstanding from the top wall 8 and having-a wick I0 extending therethrough tothe interior of the fuel rev ceptacle and projecting slightly thereabove as is customary in the art.

A snuifer cap II coacts with the upper end of wick tube l and is carried by a lever or snuffercarrying member I2 pivoted on a member I3 supported by spaced standards I4, I4 upstanding from the top wall I. Spaced pinions I5, I5 are rotatable about the axis defined by member I3 and these pinions may be secured, respectively, to exterior surfaces of the respective depending side walls of the lever I2. Disposed between said last named side walls is a ratchet wheel I6 and a wheel I1 having a serrated or rughened peripheral face, the wheels I4 and I1 being connected together for rotatable movement as a unit about the member Il as an axis. A suitable pyrophoric element I projects from the upper open end of a tube Il extending from the lower wall of casing CI, through the fuel receptacle and slightly above the upper wall I of the latter. The tube II carries a helical spring 2l detachably retained therein in any suitable manner, as by a cap 2I having the shank thereof threaded into the lower end of tube Il, said cap 2! retaining the spring 20 under compression whereby said pyrophoric element Il is biased into engagement with the outer face of the serrated wheel I1. As illustrated, the bottom wall I of said casing C is provided with an aperture permitting ready removal of said cap 2|.

When it is desired to produce flame, the lever I2 is swung counter-clockwise, Fig. 4, to separate the snuffer cap from the wick tube 9. Such actuation of the lever I2 is adapted to impart a step of rotative movement to the wheels I 6 and I 1 and,

for this purpose, mechanism of any suitable character may be utilized. vIothis end and as herein illustrated, a resilient member 22 of steel or the like may be disposed interiorly of the lever I2v and, at one end, secured thereto in any suitable manner, said member 22, at its other and free end, coacting in a pawl-like manner with the ratchet wheel I4.

Mechanism of any suitable type may be utilized for swinging the lever I2 counter-clockwise, Fig. 4. It desired and asherein illustrated, there may be thus utilized a pair of rack members 23, 22 meshing, respectively, with the pinions I5, I 5, said rack members terminating in a member or sleeve 24, at the upper end of which, if desired, there may be disposed suitable knob structure 25. The sleeve 24 is slidably disposed within an openended tube or cylinder 2l extending through the fuel receptacle.

Connected to the rack members 23, 22 or to the knob structure 2l in-any suitable manner is a rod or stem 21 depending through the tube 2| and extending below the lower wall 5 of casing CI and alaobelow the lower wall I of casing C in which a suitable hole or perforation is provided for the purpose just stated. The stem 21 comprises a lower threaded section 21a receiving a spring-positioning nut 2l and a locking nut 28 coactable with said nut 2l, a suitable helical spring 2l being disposed between the casing wall I and the nut 2l which may be adjusted as desired to control the tension of said spring 20.

A second helical spring 3| may encircle the stem 21 at and adjacent the upper end thereof, said spring SI being disposed within the sleeve 24 and coactlng at its upper end with the interior surface of the knob structure 2l and at its lower end with a transverse member 32 positioned within and secured to the tube 20, the stem 21 being freely slidable through said transverse member 32.

Fuel of any suitable character, either semisolid, liquid or the like may be introduced interiorly of the fuel receptacle which, if desired, may contain a mass of suitable absorbent material 23. For thus introducing fuel into the fuel receptacle, the bottom wall thereof vmay be provided with an opening into which is detachably secured a threaded plug 34, the bottom wall I of casing C having an opening permitting insertion and removal of said plug 34 from the opening therefor in the bottom wall of the fuel receptacle.

In accordance with a preferred form of my invention, movement of cover member 3 from the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5 toward and/or into the position shown in Fig.v 6 is adapted to elevate or slide the inner casing CI with respect to the outer casing C. The mechanism for attaining this end may assume any one of a variety of suitable forms. As herein illustrated, a pinion 35 is thus utilized, said pinion 25 being rotatable about an axis defined by the member 4 and se.

cured to the cover member 3 for movement therewith in any suitable manner such, for example, as by the provision of a locking lug or member 3a. Figs. 5 and 6, on the cover member 3 which is disposed between adjacent teeth of said pinion I5.

As shown, the pinion 35 is arranged approximately midway between opposite side walls of the casing CI and extends through a suitable slot provided in the adjacent pair of side walls 2 of casing C so that it meshes with rack or gear teeth 36 formed on the exterior surface of the adjacent side wall 6 ofthe casing CI.

Normally, the parts are positioned as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. That is, the casing CI is in its lowermost position and the cover member I is in closed position where it covers the pyrophoric lighting mechanism, the cigarette receptacle and the cigarettes-therein. At this time, the springs 30 and JI are as illustrated in Fig. 4, the spring 3U being in expanded or normal condition, or substantially so whereas the spring 3i is tending to expand and, therefore, holds the sleeve 24 in its upper position to thereby cause the snuifer cap II to be seated upon the wick tube 9.

In operation, the cover member 3 is suitably manipulated, as by grasping the same by one hand and swinging it in a counter-clockwise direction, Figs. 4 and 5. In so doing, the pinion 35 is rotated and, due to the meshed relation thereof with the gear teeth 26, the casing CI is ,caused to slide with respect to the casing C so that it may come into the position shown in Fig. 6, if desired. By thus swinging the cover member 3 to open position, the open-end -of the cigarette compartment is exposed and o ne or more cigarettes A may be removed therefrom as desired.

As the cover member 3 is swung counter-clockwise, Figs. 4 and 5, as described above to elevate the casing CI, stem 21 tends to move upwardly therewith since, as stated, the upper end thereof is connected to the knob 25, the latter forming a part of the lighting mechanism which is carried by thecasing CI. 'I'he spring 30, however, is of relatively great strength and, to a great degree, resists and prevents vsuch upward movement of the stem 21. Therefore, it results that the sleeve 24 is caused to move downward with respect to the tube 26 from the position shown in Fig. 4 to the position shown in Fig. 6 and compressing the spring 3l. 'I'he rack members 23, 23 partake of similar downward movement to thereby rotate the pinions l5, l5 and the lever lz in s counterclockwise direction, Fig. 4, so that the reverr i 2 and the snuier cap I I may come to the position shown in Fig. 6. Due to engagement of the member v22 with the rack wheel I6, a step of rotative movetherefrom and causes the production of flame for.

ignition of the cigarette.

In the form of my invention herein shown, the

4 spring 30 to great extent and the spring 3l to less extent, acting through.the various parts as will be obvious, tend to return the cover memberA 3 to closed position and this automatically occurs when said cover member 3 is sui'dciently freed from restraint. Accordingly, the hand of the user may be removed from the cover member 3 and-the same will automatically return to closedposition;

atthe same time, .the spring 3i expands, due to descent of casing Clfunder the controlof spring 30,A and elevates the knob structure 25 and rack members 23, 23 into the position shown in Fig. 4.-

`As a result,l the snuffer cap I I is again seated uponV the wick tube 9 the flame extinguished, movement of the wheel-I1 not occurringat this time because the member22 idles with respect to the ratchet wheel I6.

As herein illustrated, the apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention is adapted for table or desk use and, accordingly, it may be supported on 'a suitable base B, screws or the like 3l being utilized to secure said base B and casing` C together. "As illustrated, the base B may be provided with a depression directly below the casing C and such depression, in part at least, should extend through the-base as an aperture receiving the end of stem 21 and the parts carried thereby, and also permitting removal 'of cap 2| and plug Il when desired. If desired, the base B, as shown particularly in Fig. 1, may comprise'a lateral extension having a depression 38 therein serving as an ash receiver, for example, or for the reception of any suitable receptacle as may be desired.

It shall be understood that my invention is not to be limited to mechanism of the character herein described and illustrated and, particularly, it

f shall be understood that my invention is not to be limited to mechanism necessarily adapted or intended for supportbya desk, table or other surface. As well, my invention is readily susceptible of incorporation in devices intended vfor portable or other use particularly such as may be carried about in a garment pocket, hand bag. or the like.

While the invention has been described with respect to a certain particular preferred example which gives satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modi-7 fications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended therefore in. the appended claims to cover-allsuch changes and modications.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is 1. 'Ihe combination with teles'copically related casings, and a cover member for said casings, of i` flame-producing mechanism carried by the inner casing, said inner casing comprisinga compartment for cigarettes, means whereby movement of said cover member moves said casings with respect to each other, and means whereby relative movement of said casings effects the production of flame by said mechanism.

2. The combination with telescopicallyrelated casings, of pyrophoric spark-producing means and a fuel receptacle in the inner casing, said inner casing comprising a cigarette compartment, a cover member for said'casings, and means responsive to movement of said cover member for transmitting energy therefrom to effect relative movement of said casings -and to automatically actuate said spark-producing means.

3. The -combination with telescopically related casings, of pyrophoric spark-producing means and a fuel receptacle in the inner casing, said inner casing comprising a. cigarette compart-V ment, a pivo'ted cover member for said casings,"

and means responsive to elevation of said cover member for transmitting venergy therefrom to effect relative movement of said casings and to automatically actuate said spark-producing means.

4. In combination, telescopically related casings, a cover member for said casings, a connection for transmitting energy from said cover member to said inner casing whereby opening of said cover member elevates Isaid inner casing, said inner casing comprising pyrophoric lighting mechanism, and means forI automatically operating said Alighting mechanism in response to said opening of ,said cover member. i

5. In combination, telescopically. related casings, flame-producing mechanism carried by said inner casing and movable'therewith, said mechanism comprising a wick, pyrophoric means for producing sparks to ignite fuel at said wick, and means for operating said pyrophoric means, means for elevating the inner casing with respect 'to the outer casing, and means-whereby elevation of said inner casing actuates said operating means.

6. In combination, telescopically related casings, ame-producing mechanism carried by said inner casing and movable therewith, said mechanism comprising a wick, pyrophoric means for producing sparks to ignite fuel at said wick, means for operating said pyrophoric means, and a spring for returning said operating means to a normal position, meansV for elevating the inner casing '7. In combination, telescopically related cas-A ings, flame-producing mechanism carried by the inner casing and comprising a wick, pyrophoric means for producing sparks to ignite fuel at said wick, and means for operating said pyrophoric means, gear means for elevating the inner casingwith respect to the outer casing, a casing cover member for operating said gear means, and

means whereby elevation of said inner casing actuates said operating means. A

8. In combination, telescopically related casings, iiame-producing mechanismV carried by the inner casing and comprising a wick, pyrophoric means for producing sparks to ignite fuel at said wick, and means for operating said pyrophoric means, gear means for elevating .the inner casing with respect to the outer casing, a casing coverf member for operating said gear means, and means whereby elevation of said inner casing actuates said operating means, said last named means comprising a spring-controlled member tending to bias said inner casing toward its lower position.

.9. In combination, a base, a substantially vertical casing upstanding from said base. said casing deilning vertical compartments disposed in side-by-side relation, one of said vcompartments being open at its top and adapted to receive ls, plurality of cigarettes, another of said compartments being a fuel casing, pyrophoric lightingl plurality of cigarettes, another of said compartments being a fuel casing, pyrophoric lighting mechanism carried by said fuel casing, and means for operating said lighting mechanism, lsaid means comprising a cover for said casing and a mechanical connection including a member secured to said base.

11. In combination, a base, 'a substantially vertical casing upstanding from said base, said cas-- ing defining vertical compartments disposed in l0 side-by-side relation, one oi said compartments being open at its top and adapted to receive a plurality of cigarettes, another of said compartments being afuel casing, pyrophoric lighting mechanism carried by said fuel casing, and means for operating said lighting mechanism, said means comprising a cover for said casing and a second casing secured to said base and in which said ilrst named casing is slidable.

LOUISl V. ARONSON. 20 

